"This morning 14 June the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience Jose Graziano
da Silva, director general of the Rome-based United Nation's Food and Agricultural
Organisation (FAO). The director general subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal
Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique
Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States. "During the cordial discussions
great appreciation was expressed for the commitment shown by the Holy See and the
Catholic Church to combating hunger and poverty, especially in Africa, and to remedying
the worrying situation of world food security", according to a Holy See Press Office
communique released today. "It was then noted that, despite the fact that there
are sufficient resources to satisfy the food requirements of the entire planet, persistent
economic, social and political obstacles hinder the possibility of meeting those requirements.
Finally, the hope was expressed that the rural sector may once again take a leading
role in development strategies, that sustainable models of agricultural production
and food consumption be promoted, and that greater equity and efficiency be guaranteed
in the administration of the food system". Listen: